The largest STEM expo in Texas — Dallas ISD’s STEM Expo — is celebrating its 10th anniversary this year.
More than just a science fair, the event allows students to investigate, design, and create real-world science, technology, engineering, and math activities and projects while building connections with many district departments, campuses, and industry and academic partners, DISD said.
This year’s 2024 Expo will be from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 3, in the Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center.
Behind-the-scenes leader
Crystal Alexander has been the woman behind the scenes since planning started for the first STEM Expo, which took place in the spring of 2014.
“Our participants often get enthusiastic when they see new exhibitions or get in touch early to volunteer or participate,” Alexander said in a statement. “The most positive comment is witnessing families come back year after year with more members.”
Alexander has worked for the district for 23 years and graduated from what is now the Marvin E. Robinson School of Business and Management at Yvonne A. Ewell Townview Center. She has worked as the STEM manager, STEM EXPO coordinator, and currently leads the math department.
As a math manager, the district said Alexander helps develop and oversee its Tier 1 K-12 mathematics curriculum, instructional framework, and assessment plan, as well as professional development for teachers and leaders.
Photo: DISD
10x growth in 10 years
The district said that this year, it expects 5,000 to attend the STEM Expo, which began with 500 participants the first year.
More than a student-focused event, educators, parents, community members, and other stakeholders can engage in more than 100 activities and network with local academic partners. Also, DISD said the Expo provides a showcase for the programs that Dallas ISD offers, including its STEM and STEAM-focused programs, Career Institutes, Collegiate Academies, and Career and Technical Education Pathways, Alexander said.
“For the past 10 years, this has been an amazing opportunity and the greatest accomplishment of my career, being able to coordinate such an amazing event for the DFW community,” she said.
Alexander is pleased to “continue the work and connect with campuses and leaders within the district, industry and academic partners, and DFW community members in providing an academic experience where our participants can create, build, and design while making connections to STEM-focused career fields and/or areas of study.”
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